Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Joe Rogan

Public opinion and media debates around Joe Rogan—discover key moments of controversy.

Joe Rogan is an American podcaster, comedian, and UFC color commentator, best known for hosting The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the world's most popular podcasts. The podcast, which has been the most streamed on Spotify since 2020, features long-form conversations with a wide variety of guests, covering topics ranging from science and philosophy to comedy and current events. Rogan's background also includes stand-up comedy, acting, and hosting television shows. His podcast has garnered considerable attention and influence, making him a prominent figure in media and popular culture.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1993: Accuses Carlos Mencia of Joke Thievery

Since 1993, Joe Rogan accused comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery.

2005: Accuses Carlos Mencia of Joke Thievery

In 2005, Joe Rogan wrote a blog entry accusing comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery.

February 2007: Confronts Carlos Mencia On Stage

In February 2007, Joe Rogan confronted Carlos Mencia on stage at The Comedy Store in Hollywood over joke thievery allegations.

2010: Accusation of joke thievery

In 2010, Joe Rogan accused comedian Dane Cook of stealing jokes.

2020: Questioning Election Fraud Claims

In July 2025, Joe Rogan stated that Donald Trump had no evidence to support the claim that there was widespread election fraud that caused Trump to lose the 2020 presidential election.

April 2021: Remarks on COVID-19 Vaccines

In April 2021, Joe Rogan made contentious remarks about COVID-19 vaccines, claiming young, healthy people did not need them, sparking criticism from health officials and media outlets.

September 1, 2021: Rogan Tests Positive for COVID-19

On September 1, 2021, Joe Rogan tested positive for COVID-19 and began a treatment regimen including monoclonal antibodies, prednisone, azithromycin, NAD drip, a vitamin drip, and ivermectin.

January 2022: Open Letter from Scientists

In January 2022, 270 scientists, physicians, professors, doctors, and healthcare workers wrote an open letter to Spotify expressing concern over "false and societally harmful assertions" on The Joe Rogan Experience, particularly regarding COVID-19 misinformation.

January 24, 2022: Neil Young Demands Removal of Music from Spotify

On January 24, 2022, Neil Young posted an open letter demanding Spotify remove his music if The Joe Rogan Experience was not removed, citing misinformation concerns.

February 4, 2022: Removal of 70 Episodes by Spotify

On February 4, 2022, Spotify removed 70 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience, selected by Rogan, all predating the COVID-19 pandemic, after discussions about racially insensitive language.

February 2022: Controversy Over Racial Slur

In February 2022, India Arie shared a compilation of Joe Rogan saying the racial slur "nigger" on The Joe Rogan Experience, leading to an apology from Rogan. UFC fighters defended Rogan amidst allegations of a political hit job.

February 2022: Spotify Removes Episodes

In February 2022, Spotify removed 113 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience due to concerns about racist and insensitive language in some episodes.

April 2022: Comments on Transgender Athletes

In April 2022, Joe Rogan commented on transgender women competing in women's sports, particularly MMA, and transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, stating concerns about fairness.

October 2022: Shares Litter Box Hoax

In October 2022, Joe Rogan shared a widely discredited hoax about public schools providing litter boxes to students who dress up as cats during an interview with Tulsi Gabbard.

February 2023: Remarks on Jewish People and Money

In February 2023, Joe Rogan made comments on his podcast, stating the "idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous", defending Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. The comments were widely condemned.

February 2024: Promotes Debunked AIDS Claims

In February 2024, during a podcast with Bret Weinstein, Joe Rogan promoted the debunked claim that party drugs were a significant factor in AIDS and falsely claimed that the antiviral drug AZT killed people faster than AIDS. He also praised AIDS denialist Peter Duesberg.

March 2024: Comments on Israel's Actions

In March 2024, Joe Rogan described Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as a "genocide". Later, he acknowledged writer Coleman Hughes' perspective disputing the genocide allegations.

April 2024: Lawsuit Against Onnit

In April 2024, a lawsuit was filed against Onnit, alleging that its 'Alpha BRAIN' supplement performed no better than a placebo and that the product was surrounded by "false, misleading and deceptive advertising".

November 2024: Criticism of Biden and Zelenskyy

In November 2024, Joe Rogan criticized outgoing U.S. president Joe Biden for allowing Ukraine to strike back at mainland Russia with US-supplied missiles. He also criticized Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying "Fuck you, man. You fucking people are about to start world war three".

January 10, 2025: Joe Rogan Interviews Mark Zuckerberg

On January 10, 2025, Joe Rogan published an interview with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, where Zuckerberg alleged that the Biden administration had pressured Facebook to take down posts claiming that the COVID-19 vaccine had side effects.

March 2025: Criticism of Trump's Feud with Canada

In March 2025, Joe Rogan criticized Donald Trump's feud with Canada as "stupid", pointing out negative reactions during sporting events.

April 2025: Deportation Operations Criticized

By April 2025, Joe Rogan referred to the Trump administration's operation to deport immigrants to El Salvador as "horrific", expressing strong disapproval.

April 2025: Comments on the Term 'Retard'

In April 2025, Joe Rogan remarked that the re-emergence of the disability slur "retard" into mainstream use is a cultural victory spurred by podcasts.

June 2025: Fitness Influencer Arrested for Threats

In June 2025, fitness influencer Liver King was arrested after making violent consecutive threats against Joe Rogan on social media.

July 2025: Discontentment with Trump Administration

In July 2025, Joe Rogan expressed his discontentment with the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files. Additionally, Rogan expressed concern with the Trump administration's deportation efforts, referring to the deportation of foreign students on college campuses.

September 2025: Criticized for Climate Change Interpretation

In September 2025, Joe Rogan was criticized by Jessica Tierney for his interpretation of a global temperature chart. Rogan claimed temperatures are cooling, contrary to evidence supporting global warming.